About | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline
LOG IN
LOG IN

RCED-83-57 1 (1982-12-01)

handle is hein.gao/gaobabmse0001 and id is 1 raw text is: UNITED STATES GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON. D.C. 20648 RISOUACIS. COMMUNITY, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION B-209867 120023 DECEMBER 1,1982 The Honorable Anne M. Gorsuch Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency Subject: Savings Possible Through Use of Variable Effluent Limits for Advanced Waste Treatment Projects (GAO/RCED-83-57) Dear Ms. Gorsuch: We believe the potential exists for savings through the use of variable effluent limits (VEL's) in the operation and construc- tion of advanced waste treatment facilities. While reliable nation- wide savings estimates are not available, a number of Federal and State officials and a State of Georgia study estimates that mil- lions of dollars in operating costs could be saved each year. We believe that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) needs to emphasize to its regional offices and delegated States that VEL's, when properly used, can result in cost savings while maintaining water quality. THE NATURE AND FUNCTION OF VARIABLE EFFLUENT LIMITS Under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) municipal, industrial, and other facil- ities discharging waste directly into waterways must have a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. NPDES permits, issued for a maximum of 5 years, establish effluent limits or restrictions in terms of the amount, rate, or concentra- tion of pollutants facilities may discharge into the water. The act also requires that dischargers meet secondary or other minimum levels of treatment. In instances where the treatment is not suffi- cient to reduce water pollution to achieve water quality standards established by a State or EPA, advanced waste treatment must be installed. NPDES permits are issued either by EPA or States 1/ having EPA- approved permit programs. As of November 15, 1982, EPA had approved 1/The term State as defined in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and used in this report includes the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. (089210)

What Is HeinOnline?

HeinOnline is a subscription-based resource containing thousands of academic and legal journals from inception; complete coverage of government documents such as U.S. Statutes at Large, U.S. Code, Federal Register, Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Reports, and much more. Documents are image-based, fully searchable PDFs with the authority of print combined with the accessibility of a user-friendly and powerful database. For more information, request a quote or trial for your organization below.



Contact us for annual subscription options:

Contact Us

Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?

Log In

profiles profiles most